INTERVIEW: A Day in the Life with Chef Serena Poon

From food to fashion, Serena Poon gives a peek into her day!

A health advocate, chef to the stars, and a travel enthusiast, Chef Serena Poon is the living, breathing definition of Jill-of-all-trades. Her beautifully crafted, health-conscious recipes that satisfy any craving are in high demand, and we’re so excited that she took time out of her busy schedule to give Vital Proteins an insight into her day:

Vital Proteins:You bought a new handbag that only has enough room to hold your beauty essentials. What do you fill it with?

Serena Poon: I feel like I carry way too much in my daily handbag! But the few items I find myself always checking off when I switch purses are: My DoTerra peppermint beadlets — they’re great for fresh breathe, digestion, headaches; a tiny travel size container of Egyptian Magic All Purpose Skin Cream — its so hydrating and healing; a tiny spray bottle of Dr. Bronner’s organic lavender hand sanitizer; saline eye drops; a few q-tips in case my eye liner smudges; and right now I’m super into Kjaer Weis makeup products and keep one of their lipsticks on me at all times!

VP: What we eat has a tremendous impact on how we look and feel. What are two or three of your favorite kitchen staples that you rely on to help you look and feel your best?

SP: Every morning I start my day with the same routine, even when I travel. A warm cup of lemon water (so lemons are a must!), a tablespoon of raw organic apple cider vinegar, a small shot of probiotic (either a fermented veggie juice or like a kombucha or keifer) and small shot of aloe. Its a quick 5 minute habit that starts my body off by cleansing out everything my body has been detoxing over the night, alkalizes my system and gives my gut and digestive the healthy support it needs. Plus, it wakes up my body and I feel energized before I enjoy my favorite kitchen staple: a warm cup of organic ceremonial matcha latte made with organic cashew milk, a touch of cinnamon and 2 scoops of Vital Protein Collagen Peptides. This is basically my pre-workout drink and my pick-me-up in the afternoon. I’ve got my energizing antioxidants, my collagen-boosting protein and a little bit of healthy fat all in a warm cup of yumminess. And my other favorite kitchen staple is my Luminous Elixir green juice. I usually have a glass (sometimes 2) a day in between my regular meals and snacks. All the nutrients keep my body alkalized and energized, my skin clear and my digestive system happy.

VP: Morning, noon or night, tell us about one healthy meal or snack that you eat frequently. Why?

SP: I love my spicy hummus with organic Persian cucumbers. They are sort of my go-to snacks. If I’m feeling like I need a little more protein or energy, I’ll make a simple avocado toast (on a paleo friendly bread), somtimes with an egg on top (either poached or sunny-side up or scrambled egg whites).

VP: Any advice for someone who wants to clean up their diet, but doesn’t know where to start? Think of this person as a newbie to clean eating. Where should they start?

SP: I always tell people to ease into it! People sometimes have a sense of urgency and want quick results, but that can often shock the body and make a permanent transition into a healthier lifestyle tough to stick to. The first thing I tell anyone who wants to clean up is, cut the highly processed foods, processed sugar and fats. Minimize dairy and alcohol. Then, in place of all the “bad stuff”, we flood your body with whole food nutrients, juices etc….then, after 2-3 weeks, we do a light cleanse to help reset your body.

VP: What’s a non-food related healthy habit you do every day (or most days) that keeps your mind and body healthy?

SP: I make it a point to work out 5-6 days a week (usually weight-training). Exercise helps keep my mind clear, calms any sort of stress I have and I always have more energy throughout the day whenever I start the day with a workout. I also try to take a few minutes out everyday, either in bed before I go to sleep or when I first wake up, to sort of meditate and go through my gratitude list. Sometimes, I even do it in the car while I’m driving. It makes traffic a lot more tolerable lol

VP: How much sleep do you get every night?

SP: To be very honest, not enough! I usually wake up without an alarm with 5 hours of sleep. But I know I should be getting more…time for that vacay!

VP: If you’re a music fan, what would we hear you tune into to keep you moving and motivated?

SP: My music totally depends on the mood I’m in. When I’m in bada** mode, I’m usually rocking out to some sort of alternative rock like Imagine Dragons (on repeat — yes, Im that person) or indie/pop rock like Cold War Kids. But you’ll also find me singing at the top of my lungs alone in my car, driver-seat-dancing, to some remix version of Lana Del Rey or David Guetta. I’m eclectic.